At That Time, I Will Not Enjoy That Glory Alone.

"Teacher! I..." Bibi Dong knew this was a disguised form of house arrest and still wanted to fight for it.

"Withdraw!" Qian Xunji's voice suddenly turned stern, carrying an authority that could not be defied.

"...Yes, Teacher." Bibi Dong gritted her silver teeth, suppressing her humiliation and anger as she bowed and took her leave.

After leaving the solemn, oppressive Pope's Palace, Bibi Dong had barely gone far when a familiar voice transmission sounded in her mind. "Dong'er, this way."

Following the voice's guidance, she hurried behind a secluded corridor pillar and was astonished to find Ghost Charm and Yue Guan waiting there as well.

And standing before them was none other than Zhao Linchuan, who had just left with Chong Yue!

"Linchuan? Didn't you go to the treasury with Chong Yue Douluo?" Bibi Dong asked in surprise.

"The one who went with him was only a clone." Zhao Linchuan explained. Then he turned to Ghost Charm and Yue Guan, his expression becoming incomparably solemn. "Gentlemen, Linchuan has a favor to ask."

"While I am away, I ask that you both look after Dong'er and keep her safe."

Ghost Charm silently watched him, his deep eyes seeming capable of seeing through people's hearts. He did not agree at once.

"This..." Yue Guan frowned, his face showing hesitation.

By now, how could he possibly fail to see through it?

This was clearly Pope Qian Xunji using the opportunity to throw Zhao Linchuan into the fire pit—perhaps even intending to use this to get rid of his romantic rival!

Sending a Spirit Hall Saint Child with no proof of identity to handle such a matter, while demanding that he not disgrace Spirit Hall—wasn't that plainly using a borrowed knife to kill someone?

Naturally, Zhao Linchuan understood their concerns.

He took a deep breath and slowly raised his right hand, his five fingers pressed together as he pointed directly at the sky!

An invisible will, as though capable of communicating with heaven and earth, gathered around him.

"I, Zhao Linchuan, swear here and now!" His voice was not loud, yet every word rang like clashing gold and iron, carrying a force that shook the heart. "If one day, I stand atop this continent and take command of this Douluo Qiankun..."

He paused, his blazing gaze fixed on Ghost Charm and Yue Guan as his words exploded like thunder.

"I pledge upon my Dao Heart, with heaven and earth as witnesses!"

"When that time comes, I will not keep that glory for myself alone."

The instant his words fell!

"Rumble—!!!"

Without Warning, an incomparably massive bolt of golden lightning tore through the heavens above Spirit City!

The resplendent Heavenly Might was deafening. The entire Pope's Palace—indeed, all of Spirit City—seemed to tremble along with it!

It was no ordinary lightning, but a roar containing the will of heaven and earth itself, as though responding to Zhao Linchuan's grand ambition to defy fate and change destiny!

For the first time, violent turmoil appeared in Ghost Charm's eternally unfathomable eyes!

He stared fixedly at Zhao Linchuan, as though trying to see through his very soul.

At last, he slowly and exceedingly solemnly nodded. His voice was hoarse and low. "Good."

That single word, "good," weighed more than a thousand jun!

"Old Ghost!" Yue Guan was so startled that he nearly jumped up. He had never expected Ghost Charm to agree so readily.

"Gentlemen." Zhao Linchuan cupped his hands and took out a brocade pouch. "Once you receive word from me, simply act according to the plan."

"Leave this matter to the two of us." Ghost Charm accepted the pouch without another word, turned, and left, his figure melting into the shadows.

Yue Guan looked at Zhao Linchuan, then in the direction Ghost Charm had vanished. Stomping his foot, he hurriedly chased after him.

Zhao Linchuan felt somewhat relieved. He turned toward Bibi Dong, whose beautiful face had long since gone pale from the heavenly phenomenon, his expression more serious than ever. "Dong'er, listen carefully to what I'm about to say and carve it into your heart!"

"I will disappear for a while, lie low, and gather strength sufficient to overturn everything." His gaze was sharp as a sword, filled with a determination to stake everything on one throw. "I promise you, no more than three years!"

"Within three years, I will return openly and honorably, with strength enough to protect you and stand against any threat!"

"For these three years, I will vanish without a trace, as though I have evaporated from the world."

"And what you must do is stay in Spirit Hall, cultivate diligently, and become stronger!"

"And..." He stared deeply into Bibi Dong's eyes. "You must 'forget' me! At least in front of everyone, you must act as though you never knew me, Zhao Linchuan! Do you understand?"

In this world where strength ruled and the weak were prey to the strong, even the most exquisite schemes were like paper before absolute power.

He had to possess strength—strength enough to crush everything!

"No! I can't do it!" Bibi Dong shook her head fiercely, tears instantly filling her eyes. She tightly seized Zhao Linchuan's arm. "I'll leave with you! To the ends of the earth, I'll follow you!"

"Dong'er!" Zhao Linchuan clasped her icy hand in return, his tone resolute. "Now is not the time to act on impulse!"

"Listen. My disappearance may be accompanied by some 'bad news,' perhaps even 'news of my death.'"

"But remember, no matter what, believe in me!"

"I will never die! Absolutely never!"

"Remember what I just told you! Pretend! Pretend you are the same as before! This is to protect yourself, and also to protect me! Do you understand?!" He squeezed her palm hard.

"Linchuan! I..." Bibi Dong's tears finally fell. "What if you... what if you don't come back? What... what will I do?"

"Don't worry. I will definitely return!" Zhao Linchuan's tone was exceptionally firm, carrying a promise that allowed no doubt.

He raised a hand and gently wiped the tears from her face, a teasing smile suddenly entering his voice. "After all... I haven't 'eaten' you yet. How could I not come back?"

"You!!" Bibi Dong was both embarrassed and angry, so furious her tears nearly dried up. "At a time like this, you... you're still saying such improper things!"

"I'm just telling the truth." Zhao Linchuan shrugged, feigning ease.

Seeing him like this, Bibi Dong felt both heartache and irritation.

She gazed deeply at him, as though she wanted to carve his appearance into the depths of her soul.

After hesitating for a moment, a blush spread across her face. Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz. "How about... you have a clone pretend to leave, and your real body... leaves tomorrow instead..."

Gathering her courage, her voice trembled with both resolve and nervousness. "I... I have something... a treasure I've kept for over ten years... that I... I want to give you..."

Zhao Linchuan's heart jolted. Naturally, he understood what she meant.

He forcibly suppressed the surging emotions within him and gently brushed her burning cheek, his voice low and tender. "Since it is a peerless treasure you've cherished for over ten years, there's no harm in cherishing it a while longer."

"When I return in triumph, wouldn't it be better for me to open this 'gift' with my own hands?" He deliberately paused, then leaned close to her ear, his tone carrying a hint of grievance and anticipation. "Come to think of it... it seems you've never... taken the initiative to kiss me, have you? Shouldn't you..."

Before Zhao Linchuan could finish speaking, a sharp pain suddenly shot through his shoulder.

"Mmgh!!" Zhao Linchuan groaned.